UGC directs higher educational institutions to ensure healthy food on campuses
The UGC had previously also issued similar advisories on November 10, 2016, and August 21, 2018.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notification regarding Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) asking them to maintain that students have access to healthy food on campuses. The notification focuses on the promotion of healthy food items in campus canteens and asks to prohibit the sale of unhealthy food.
An official UGC notification states, “Good health is a fundamental privilege for humanity. India is facing a rapid increase in diseases, with 1 in 4 people being either obese or diabetic/pre-diabetic, as per the ICMR report 2020-2023. As you are aware, National Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPI) is a national think tank on nutrition—consisting of independent experts in epidemiology, human nutrition, community nutrition and pediatrics, medical education, administration, social work, and management.
Concerned over the rising obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), to build a case for accelerated implementation of the National multi-sectoral Plan of Action (NMAP) for Prevention and Control of common NCDs (2017-2022), NAPI has requested to prohibit sales of unhealthy foods in educational institutions and promote healthy food options in canteens.”
The UGC had previously also issued similar advisories on November 10, 2016, and August 21, 2018. Regardless of these, the current notification puts emphasis on the need for HEIs to strictly implement the prohibition of unhealthy food sales and to promote healthier options in their canteens. This measure aims to tackle the rising epidemic of NCDs by reducing the consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed, and high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods.
The notice further highlights the role of HEIs in safeguarding the health of their students. By providing nutritious food options, educational institutions can highly contribute to the prevention and control of lifestyle related diseases. This initiative cordinate with the broader national objective of improving public health and reducing the burden of NCDs.
Creating a Healthy Food Environment on Campuses
The UGC’s directive is a timely reminder for educational institutions to prioritise the well-being of their students by creating a healthy food environment on campuses. By implementing these guidelines, HEIs can play a crucial role in promoting better health outcomes and a culture of healthy eating among young adults.
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